GUELPH, Ont. - Playing in their final game before the December break, the Guelph Gryphons knew they would have a tough task on their hands playing host to the 10-1 Western Mustangs. After getting off to a tough start, the Gryphons regrouped at half-time but their comeback bid came up just short in the end falling 64-60 to the visitors from London.

Getting 20 points from Modupe Okeowo and 11 more from Burke Bechard, the Gryphons did their best to hang with the Mustangs in the opening half, before they began to ramp up the pressure in the third and fourth quarters. 

In the early stages of the contest, the Gryphons were able to slow down the Western attack and make it a defensive match up to start. However, with the score tied 4-4 approaching the midway point of the first quarter, Western was able to put together a run that would see them take a 19-11 lead once the opening quarter concluded.

In the second, the Gryphons continued to hold their own in their own end of the court. Competing in a hard fought battle, Guelph was able to hold the Mustangs to 13 points in the frame as they did their best to keep themselves within striking distance.

Down 32-19 at the half, the Gryphons began to make their move.

Despite the Western lead getting as high as 16 points in the third quarter, the Gryphons started to charge. Led by seven points from Bechard in the quarter, Guelph was able to work away at the Western lead all quarter long and thanks to a buzzer beating three-ball from Natalie Vigna, the Gryphons had the deficit trimmed down to just three points, trailing 42-39 with one quarter to go.

During the final quarter of play, the Gryphons were able to get the game tied on a couple of different occasions but were unable to jump out in front. With the home side giving Western all they could handle, the Mustangs managed to pull away in the late stages and withstand the Gryphon's comeback, taking the game 64-60.

On the stat sheet, MacKeely Shantz scooped up 13 rebounds to lead the Gryphons, while Bechard and Ashley Wheeler each tallied four assists. 

Guelph will now head into the December break with a 5-5 record. They will return to action December 21 in South Bend, Indiana when they take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in an exhibition match. The Gryphon's OUA schedule will resume on January 8 when they head to Oshawa to take on the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks.